Why Jasara?
Jasara is an Arabic name, meaning “venture boldly and courageously.” This name encompasses what we want for single women God has invited to live in the Islamic world—that they might venture boldly forward with the gospel, well-equipped and activated to live courageously and love deeply. Jasara is a weeklong experiential training where single women are equipped in body, mind, heart, and soul to effectively and sustainably minister in the Islamic world.
Who is this retreat for?
Single, Female, Cross-cultural workers leaving their passport countries for their First Term on the field.
In-country Landing date between September 2025 - April 2026
JASARA ‘‘ Venture Boldly’’
Jasara is a one week experiential training where single women are equipped in body, mind, heart and soul to effectively and sustainably minister in the islamic world. Unlike most pre-field training, this week is specifically designed for single women whom God has called to serve in challenging places.
Why Single Women?
One third of missionaries globally are unmarried, and of that group, 85% are women. Single women are already having a massive impact on the world, but they face unique challenges in the Islamic world. As practitioners, we have seen numerous single women burnt out and leaving their fields because of issues of safety, misunderstanding contextual gender dynamics, team conflict, loneliness, and stress. This is why we offer Jasara—we believe that single women can be better equipped with tools, skills, and knowledge unique to their needs and the challenges they will face, making them more resilient, better able to metabolize stress and stay present in their contexts.
Take Aways
Actionable plans specific to your context
Like-minded community (Cohort)
Cultural scaffolding unique to singles
Self-protection skills
An articulated and practical theology of suffering and redemption
Understanding and management of fight/flight responses
Increased discernment and confidence
Deepening connection with God
Leave feeling empowered and refreshed
What to expect:
To be stretched and encouraged
Equipped with practical tools, new skills and relevant resources
Deepening connection with yourself, other singles and the Lord
And to have fun!
Key Topics Specific to Singles to be addressed:
Safety and Self Care
Navigating Team Dynamics
Managing Crises and Chronic Stress
Overcoming Fear and Shame
Loneliness and Isolation
Accessing Peace and Finding Joy
What we hope you will take away from your time at Jasara:
Greater God and self awareness
Practical tools and Accessible resources
Empowerment and Refreshment
Understanding how to manage our flight/fight responses
Like minded community (Cohort)
Increased discernment and confidence
Cultural scaffolding unique to singles
Actionable plans specific to your context
Articulated and practical Theology of Suffering and Redemption
Deepening connection with God
Arrival: Sunday, 7th December 2025
Departure: Saturday, 13th December 2025
Location: La Morada, SentWell’s care and development center located in Alhaurín de la Torre, Málaga, Spain. This is a peaceful area just inland from the Costa del Sol, ten minutes from the Mediterranean and fifteen minutes from Málaga airport (AGP).
See more details about arrival/departure times and details under “Getting to the Retreat”.
Jasara full boarding
Your registration fee includes:
Full room and board (five nights’ accommodation in double room)
Three healthy, tasty meals per day and all snacks and drinks during the day
Content & materials
Access to Individual Professional Care Services
All of our professional staff raise full support which enables us to keep these prices low for cross-cultural workers.
Price: 700€
Please let us know if finances are a concern for you. Scholarships may be available.
There are three options for payment:
1) If you are part of Novo, you may pay by internal transfer. Contact Maya.gancheva@novo.org for details.
2) You may pay in euros by making a payment into our Spanish bank account. Contact maya.gancheva@novo.org for details.
3) You may pay by credit card in US dollars via the “Registration” tab.
STEP 1
We are delighted that you are ready to sign up for the Jasara retreat! Please complete the application form via the button below. The event facilitators review all applications before inviting you to confirm your registration via payment. If you have any questions at any point, please email alex.galloway@novo.org and we will do our best to help you.
The retreat is for single women only.
STEP 2
Once we have reviewed and accepted your application, you will have three possible payment options.
1) If you would like to pay by credit card in USD, please pay by clicking the button
2) If you would prefer to pay in euros by bank transfer, please contact Maya.gancheva@novo.org.
3) If you are part of Novo, you may make an internal transfer to the following fund: 9808-00 SentWell La Morada.
STEP 3
Book flights or transportation. See “Getting to the Retreat” section.
The Jasara retreat will take place in Alhaurín de la Torre, about 15 minutes from Málaga airport (AGP). Málaga is well-served by many international carriers and connects with dozens of European countries with good onward connections to cities outside of Europe.
Complementary transfers are available from the airport or Málaga’s Maria Zambrano train station on arrival day and departure day within the arrival and departure windows:
Arrivals on on Sunday the 7th of December: 3pm--6pm
Departures on Saturday the 13th of December: 8am--12pm
Please plan to arrive by 3pm at the Málaga airport or train station on arrival day. If you are traveling by car, please plan to arrive at La Morada in Alhaurin de la Torre by 4pm. La Morada’s address: Av. el Alamillo, 13, 29130 Alhaurín de la Torre, Málaga.
You are free to leave anytime in the morning on departure day and complementary transfers will be available from 8am--12pm on this day.
Check out from the rooms: 11am